MLB Awards: Trout, Harper Correct Picks For Rookie Of The Year

By Andy Schmidt

Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

The Rookie of the Year awards were announced last night and was there really any surprise that Mike Trout and Bryce Harper won? This is about as obvious as the sun coming up every morning in the east and setting in the west. Trout arguably should win the MVP award, as well, with the year he had in 2012. However, with the Triple Crown and playoff berth that Miguel Cabrera had, that award is likely going to end up in Cabrera’s hands no matter what.

In the case of Harper, the Washington Nationals did get to the playoffs with him on the team and he did bring a ton of energy to the nation’s capital. Were there any candidates that were close though? You could argue that Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Wade Miley had a very solid rookie season as well, but Harper’s 22 homers and .270 average were enough to get the job done. I do think pitchers will catch up to Harper next season so he could be in for a sophomore slump.

Trout was in his second call-up when he arrived in late April and tore the American League up with 30 home runs, 83 RBIs and a .326 average and many fantasy drafts in the spring will see Trout’s name coming off the board in the first pick or two. These two are the future of baseball and it is going to be a pleasure to watch their progress over the next 10-15 years to see if one or both end up in Cooperstown after their careers end. There is no doubt that these two are special.